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23rd Mar 2014

The Evolution Of Style – History Of The Denim Jean

From workwear to a style staple.

Cathy Donohue

Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis can be credited with inventing denim jeans, dating back to 1873.

They were originally designed as a type of overall for miners and cowboys but, thanks to the sturdy denim fabric, they evolved into a worldwide style staple.

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One of Levi’s earliest advertisements

Jeans now come in a wide range of fits including slim leg, skinny, boot cut, boyfriend, high waisted, flared and mom jeans.

Originally called ‘waist overalls’ by Levi Strauss, James Dean made jeans fashionable in the film A Rebel Without A Cause.

James Dean In 'Rebel Without A Cause'

James Dean in A Rebel Without A Cause

However, it wasn’t until the 1970s, that jeans really became acceptable to wear as a fashion item.

Before this, they were banned in some restaurants, theaters and schools as people believed they incited ‘teenage rebellion’.

Jeans are now an official style staple: walk into any shop, designer or high street, and you are guaranteed to see jeans in some shape or form.

There’s Topshop’s stonewashed Mom jeans, Penneys denim jeggings and luxury denim courtesy of J Brand, Citizen of Humanity, Lee and 7 For All Mankind.

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Seven for All Mankind jeans

From the casual boyfriend fit that are perfect for a lazy Saturday, to the dark denim skinny jeans that provide the basis of  an outfit for Friday night drinks with the girls… there is so much choice when it comes to jeans.

Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue, once said “blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola.”

Editor Diana Vreeland Posing For A Portrait

Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue

This article was brought to you in association with HTC, Beautifully designed smartphones & manufacturer of the world’s most awarded Smartphone in 2013, the HTC One htc logo for clapper

 

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